Leading figures from the fields of family law, child and family research, human rights, sociology, consumer protection will attend this year’s Business and Professional Women’s Club’s national conference in Galway.
Entitled “The Family in Ireland 2011, Challenge or Opportunity?”, the conference takes place next Thursday (September 22 ) at the Hotel Meyrick.
The conference, hosted by BPW Galway, brings together a range of experts to explore the rapidly changing dynamics of the family in current society.
Keynote speakers include Professor Geoffrey Shannon, chairman of the Adoption Authority of Ireland; Bernard Sheridan, director of consumer protection of the Central Bank of Ireland; Colm O’Gorman, executive director of Amnesty Ireland; Robin Webster, chief executive of Age Action Ireland; Pat Dolan of NUI Galway; and Jennifer O’Connell, founding editor of The Journal.ie
The conference, which is sponsored by Costello and Tarpey Financial Services, will be officially opened by Fionnuala Kenny, wife of An Taoiseach.
Among the subjects which the speakers will address are:
• Are the people of Ireland finally beginning to understand that we are collectively responsible for what happens in our society even though we may not be directly involved?
• What does accountability really mean in today’s society – do we tend to blame after wrong doings and use accountability as merely a tool?
• What do we mean by the term ‘vulnerable consumer’ today and what improvements can be made to ‘Codes of Conduct’ to ensure consumers are not being badgered in tough times?
• With such an in increase in ‘non-traditional’ family forms do we really have the legislation in place to protect our children and support the new family forms?
• Who do families turn to for support in times of need?
• What can make our families resilient?
• Can you really achieve the ‘Utopia’ of a wonderful work life balance?
BPW Ireland president Bernie Henry hopes the Galway conference will be a forum for individuals to express their views, attain useful information, and increase their awareness of how families can face today’s challenges by overcoming difficulties and making the most of the opportunities.
“ We as a society have had to face rapid change in recent years, keeping up with the financial, technological, ideological and legislative changes that pose great challenges and opportunities.”
Entrance to the conference (including lunch ) is €25 with a concession of €15 for students, seniors and the unwaged. To book log onto www.bpwgalway.ie and download the booking form, and email to [email protected], or contact Maureen Mooney on 087-2843493.
